Optimal quality, minimal scrap, and reduced downtime—the accuracy of your machine tools is crucial for efficient and competitive production. With our specialized measurements for volumetric compensation, we offer you the perfect solution to ensure and significantly improve your machine accuracy.
How does it work? We measure the geometric tolerance of your machine tools using a high-precision LaserTRACER measuring device—and can directly compensate for all volumetric deviations via the machine’s control system. Our specialized measurement systems for machine tools are versatile and can be used with 3D machines of a wide variety of designs, sizes, and accuracy levels. In collaboration with our customers, we typically use Siemens VCS (Volumetric Compensation System) software, but we can also perform volumetric compensation with other control systems.
Our team performs all necessary verification measurements for you on-site on a regular basis and at times that are convenient for you, enabling you to quickly and reliably ensure the accuracy of your machines!
Your benefits at a glance:
Our large team of experienced engineers can perform volumetric compensation of your machine tools on a regular basis at your company’s location anywhere in Germany.
Depending on the type and size of the machine, we typically require two or more workdays for planning, setting up the measurement with LaserTRACER, and taking the measurements. Once we’ve performed the initial measurement, subsequent regular inspections take significantly less time. We always adapt to your production requirements and can measure flexibly, including on weekends and at night, to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum.
For volumetric compensation, we measure the linear axes of your machine tools and determine the deviation parameters as length measurements based on the laser wavelength.
Our LaserTRACER-based measurement systems for machine tools are primarily suited for 3D machines. 2D machines are only suitable for this specialized measurement to a very limited extent. As standard, we can measure machine tools with axis lengths ranging from 1 to 15 meters—for even larger machines, we will find a customized solution. Ideally, your machine should be equipped with a Siemens control system, as we work with the data format of the Siemens VCS (Volumetric Compensation System) software as standard.
Another crucial factor for successful volumetric compensation via laser measurement: machine tools must be measured under stable environmental conditions, for example, with regard to temperature and vibrations.
In the first step, our team positions a LaserTRACER inside the machine’s working area: a tracking interferometer that allows us to measure the 3D coordinates of object points using a laser with an accuracy of 0.2 to 0.3 micrometers per meter (µm/m). In addition, a CatEye reflector is attached to the point of operation on your machine tool.
A predefined measurement program then starts, and your machine tool is measured along an automated measurement path. During this process, the machine stops at preprogrammed spatial grid positions, and the LaserTRACER takes measurements while the machine is stationary. This measurement is repeated at four to six different positions.
Based on the length data, all existing axis errors can then be calculated: These include errors in position, straightness, pitch, yaw, roll, and perpendicularity. All existing errors are then incorporated into the control system as compensation parameters. For this, we typically use the data format of the Siemens VCS (Volumetric Compensation System) software. Once volumetric compensation is complete, we perform another verification measurement on your machine tool. Done! You can resume production with the highest possible accuracy.